The CheckerBoard

Gruden isn't a realistic option. All the crazies who actually think Gruden will come to UT over the NFL need to hit me up bc I own ocean front property in Nashville close to Grudens residence and I'm sellin for cheap

I don't have anything concrete to back up my statement, but its just apparent. He is the girl that you kept asking out in HS that kept turning you down. The NFL provides him flexibility that UT/NCAA can't. He is a control freak, more so than Saban, and 20 hrs a week isn't enough for him. He'd get us in trouble for spending to much time with the team. Money is also an issue. Boosters aren't gunna reach in for millions over a 5/6 yr period. And the NFL will see any offer UT makes and easily add another 15 mil. He is an NFL coach and turned us down last time when money wasn't an issue. Well money is an issue now....he's not coming here.

I'll be tuned in tonight to see my top candidate play. Such a well coached team that plays for 4 quarters and wins tight games. I'm pretty sure they can catch a pooch kickoff to. Go Cards, Go Charlie Strong.

Bottomline is that if you're going to fire Dooley, it has to be done after a loss to SC. If they win(which is by no means impossible) then you have to wait until the next loss.....which may be next season. You can't fire a coach on 6 game winning streak to end a season. That being said, I don't think anyone realistically expects to win Saturday. My opinion(it's just that), if Hart fires Dooley, then he better be ready to hit a grand slam with whoever he pegs to replace Dooley. With the state of the program from players to fans, a Kirby Smart hire will not cut it. Would a Gruden hire excite the fan base? You're dang right it would. You know what excited fans do? They fill up Neyland Stadium on Saturday's!

No one could do better in recruiting here than Dooley? So 11th in the SEC is as good as it gets? I tend to disagree there. There's no way Vandy should be out recruiting us 2 years in a row.

A. I like Charlie Strong.
B. that Louisville team also losses to UF, Bama, @UGA, and @MSU.
C. It's funny to me how you like Sal, but if Charlie Strong was our d coordinator this year we are 5-2.
D. Charlie String is exactly the type of guy who with next years schedule, going 6-6 would put him right back on the hot seat.

I am in complete agreement with you and Drizz. Outside of Gruden, Charlie Strong is the only viable option IMO. I love his demeanor, his defensive back ground, his knowledge of southern recruiting, his success as a head coach in a major conference (I know it's the Big East, I know) and most importantly, his 2 national championship rings. However, I couldn't agree more with you bavw that Strong would struggle to find success against that schedule next year with our likely roster and that would only get the "Keep Dooley" people fired up about letting him go, further dividing our fan base. Needless to say, I would absolutely hate to be Dave Hart right now.

A down vote? Really? Tough crowd.

Bingo!

I completely understand the argument that if we fire Dooley we risk restarting the clock somewhat, but Dooley has improved the program. Firing him now wouldn't necessarily set us back, as it would stall us for another year or two. Dooley is probably going to be our Mike Shula. A guy that brought stability, started the turn around, but wasn't able to get over the hump. We just have to go find our Saban.

And for me, this is completely an X's and O's thing. Before this season, I was all for giving Dooley this season and next season to finish the turn around, but by no measure are we even a remotely well coached team, other than the O-Line and the RB's.

For the people that want to keep are you prepared to give him an extension thus year, because if you do not we will be going through the same thing again next year. Recruiting wil fit sure suffer if you don't give him and extension or you trust he wins 9-10 next year.